Author and Illustrator. He is considered one of the finest creators of children’s books of his time. Lawson was the first to receive both of the top two American prizes in this field: the Caldecott Medal for “They Were Strong and Good” (1940), and the Newbery Medal for “Rabbit Hill” (1945). His tales often observe historical figures through the eyes of animals. “Mr. Revere and I” (1953), for example, is an account of Paul Revere’s famous Midnight Ride as told by his horse. He illustrated his stories with detailed pen-and-ink drawings that resemble woodcuts or etchings. Lawson was born in New York City, and studied at the New York School of Fine and Applied Art. After serving in the Army during World War I, he became a commercial artist. He turned to Children’s Literature in the early 1930s and became prominent with his illustrations for Munro Leaf’s “The Story of Ferdinand” (1936). “Ben and Me” (1939) was his first solo effort. Lawson wrote and/or illustrated some 30 books, including “I Discover Columbus” (1941), “Mr. Twigg’s Mistake” (1947), “Dick Whittington & His Cat” (1949), “The Tough Winter” (1954), “Captain Kidd’s Cat” (1956), and “The Great Wheel” (1957). In Lawson’s honor, the annual Rabbit Hill Festival of Children’s Literature is held in Westport, Connecticut. (bio by: Bobb Edwards)